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More than 1,600 kms southeast of Tahiti, the Gambier group consists of 14 small mountainous islands, the largest and most populated of which is Mangareva. The cradle of Polynesian Catholicism in the nineteenth century, these islands hold more than one hundred stone buildings built from that time, including churches, presbyteries, convents, schools, weaving workshops, bakers' ovens and watch towers. The main village, Rikitea, has the imposing St Michael's cathedral dating from 1848 whose masterpiece is the altar richly decorated in pearls and mother of pearl.
The lagoons of Mangareva were formerly worked for their pearl oysters. This work continues today since the biggest and most famous pearl farms are here, being the main resource of these islands. Its lagoons are reputed to be the best source of fine quality pearls.
Mangareva is the central and most important island of the Gambier Islands in French Polynesia. Mangareva is surrounded by other smaller islands: Taravai in the southwest and Aukena and Akamaru in the southeast and other smaller islands, lying also in the north. The largest village on the island, Rikitea, is the chief town of the Gambier Islands. The highest point in the Gambiers is Mt. Duff, on Mangareva, rising to 441 m along the island's south coast.
There are beaches great for swimming and kayaking, beautiful trails through the forest where you will see deer and eagles in abundance, camping at Gambier Lake which is a 3 -hour hike from New Brighton.
Gambier is a haven for artists and writers some of whom are full-time residents. Arrangements can be made to visit studios. Be assured that your visit to Gambier Island, at any time of the year, there is something to be said for cosying up to a wood fire with a good book or good conversation while the wind and rain storm outside.
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